ABV magazine Fall 2017

WHAT’S ON TAP /// NEWS AND NOTES
beer
PROHIBITION IS BACK
San Francisco’s infamous Speakeasy
brewery, home of the Bay Area’s iconic
Prohibition Ale, hit a rough spot back in
April of 2017, going into receivership.
In the process, they had to shut down
their taproom.
All was not lost, however. Ces Butner,
fronting a newly-founded Hunters
Point Brewery, purchased Speakeasy’s
brewing equipment and beer brands in
May. Several original employees have
stayed on, and the company has been
working hard to bring the brand back
to market (as of print, there were no
expected changes to Speakeasy’s beer
lineup).
photo courtesy speakeasy ales and lagers
“Since the purchase we’ve been working
hard to get the company off the ground
again, making improvements to the plant
infrastructure, tap room, and hiring staff,”
said Brian Stechschulte, brand strategy
and media director at Speakeasy. “We’re
hoping to have the tap room open by
mid-October. It feels like we’re a 20-yearold
startup with expectations!”
www.goodbeer.com.
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spirits
RUM COMES TO CALIFORNIA (FINALLY)!
While there are plenty of ways to wet your locally-crafted
whiskey, gin, or vodka whistle here in Northern California,
finding a locally-distilled rum was a bit of a treasure hunt.
That hunt might be over. Rum-loving J.T. Martin and
Billy Ahumada, both of Chico, opened up Hooker Oak
Distillery in their hometown and have released three rums
since their 2016 launch: a regular rum, a pineapple, and
an apple pie-flavored variety.
They’re open for tours most Saturdays and have free
tastings on select dates.
www.hookeroakdistillery.com
photo Hooker Oak distillery
8 Fall 2017